Historic England (HE) aims to support the sector in understanding the requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, which achieved Royal Assent on 03 April 2025.
Historic England writes:
Also known as Martyn’s Law, the Act requires qualifying premises and events to reduce the risk of harm from a terrorist attack by implementing public protection procedures and measures.
Considerations for the heritage sector
Below are some important points to consider when applying the requirements of Martyn’s Law to premises or events that encompass heritage assets.
- Open-air sites
- ‘Reasonably practicable’ procedures and measures
- Complying with heritage legislation
- Documenting compliance with the Act
Resources
Below are some recommended resources which the Responsible Person may wish to use to help meet the requirements of the Act. Further counter-terrorism awareness products are listed in Supplementary Document C of the Home Office Guidance.
- ProtectUK Roadmap to improved security and preparedness
- NPSA Threat & Risk Management guidance
- NPSA guidance for owners and operators of venues, events and public spaces
- NPSA guidance on different risk scenarios and how to mitigate them
- NPSA Building Protection guidance
- NPSA public realm design guide for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
- ProtectUK learning products
- NPSA information on See Check and Notify (SCaN) training
- ProtectUK RUN HIDE TELL guidance
- Guidance on how to prevent or deter crime at heritage assets
In addition, Historic England recommends that all heritage organisations implement emergency response plans at their sites, to help prepare for different types of emergencies.
- See the Summer Vigilance Campaign digital toolkit, from Counter Terrorism Policing. With recent changes to the UK’s threat level, it’s more important than ever that event organisers and businesses across the country do their part to keep customers and the public safe this summer.
